LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Yesterday, 05:00 AM

Preserve public education

Editor, Public education is one cornerstone that has made our country and democracy so great. Nearly all of us have been affected by public education.

Our forefathers saw the importance of having an educated society. Not only is it good for society as a whole, but it ensures an educated workforce, which is beneficial to our economy.

Our Texas Constitution mandates that the state support a public education for all Texans.

What I have a hard time understanding is why, for the past 30 years, the Republican Party has chipped away at public school funding, causing local school districts to cut back and not fully provide the education needed.

The icing on the cake was a private school voucher system; $1 billion in Texas that took money away from public education to give to private schools. The state has funds to fully fund public education, but Republicans have chosen not to.

Thirty years ago, Texas public schools ranked 7th in the nation; today we rank 32. We can do better with the right leadership.

While private schools receive a state subsidy, public schools get “golden pennies.” It reminds me of Marie Antoinette saying, “Let them eat cake.”

Instead of pennies for public education, I want full funding; the whole enchilada.

Let’s remember this fall to vote out these Republicans who have turned their back on public education and elect Democrats who have supported public education.

Richard Caldwell Boerne resident

Reverse Prop A vote

Editor, To Kendall County Commissioners Court: In following your initial decision to raid Prop A funds for “Safety and Flood Mitigation” — and, oh yeah, a baseball field, — I am waiting to see the court decision on finalizing with a contract this potential controversial acquisition of realty.

You should know that this is wrong on so many levels, to use Prop A funds to supplement a developer, regardless of if you like the developer personally, or regardless of if you particularly like this development.

It is especially inappropriate since the land is subpar. For the most part, it cannot be developed, being in the flood plain, and has been stripped of its water rights. Yet the court has chosen to fund the acquisition with top dollar.

You should also acknowledge that a room full of emotionally charged people urged your support of “Safety and Flood Mitigation.”

“Safety and Flood Mitigation” is in no way addressed in the Prop A bond language, again, as you should know, and is entirely inappropriate for use of Prop A funds.

Please consider prior conversations discussing the complete inappropriateness of this venture by the county.

I continue to ask that you abandoned this track and reinstate the Prop A funds to the committee to continue the work that they have diligently addressed for the past three years.